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My Brain Hurts Brian :-)

I thought I would start this thread regarding an issue I'm currently undergoing but, even though it is not something to be ignored or disregarded lightly, I would like to keep it light.

For a few years now I've experienced what I call my 'flits'. These are periods where I lose sight, sound and cognitive recognition of what is happening around me. I have always put them down to being over tired, stressed, menopausal (yep I'm that old) and generally being run down at times.

Seems I have been wrong. After a few really bad ones recently my current boss noticed how I was not remembering discussions we'd had earlier in the day and how tired I looked. I too noticed how my balance is always off and I'm constantly grabbing for anything around me to stablise myself. Couple this with the fact that I have driven myself insane with a constant smell of paint before or after a 'flit' I finally went to see my Doctor.

Having been referred to the experts, I am about to head off to an Epilepsy Clinic for intensive investigation. Apparently I have 'white matter' where I should have 'grey matter' and this is a cause for concern at my tender age. Who would have thought the colour of my 'matter' would matter

I have also discovered that the flashing from the EEG's I have had to undergo trigger my migraine in an extreme way (both time it has taken 5 days to recover).

I wondered if those who experience/suffer Epilepsy could share their comments and experiences to help me and others feel enlightened by the process and how they live their lives.

Re: My Brain Hurts Brian :-)

Yikes, that does not sound good (even based on a physiology 101 class I took nearly 2 decades ago). So let me give a

Hope everything is still manageable, and go and see doctors as soon as possible. This is not a laughing matter at all (says the guy who nearly died of food poisoning last week, but that is a different story).

Better to have it thoroughly checked, since a lot of such ailments tend to get progressively worse - certainly if there is not an obvious explanation, such as having had a few drinks too many. And obviously, that is not what happened.

As this is a serious matter, I do suggest you take someone with you for all these appointments checkups and whenever you get results. They might prove hard to deal with, and it is also good to write things down, because if you get another episode, you might end up forgetting everything that was told to you.

I don't suffer from epilepsy myself, but I do suffer from migraines. My sister suffered from epileptic fits in her childhood (not too severe), but I am not sure if she has "grown out of it" - but I do suspect a genetic vulnerability runs in the family.

Try to figure out what causes these fits, and then try to avoid those triggers as much as possible. I fear though that these causes can prove very hard to track down, because it could also have been caused by enviromental hazards (and such factors can take decades to manifest themselves).

Also, given the nature of the situation, I would consider taking sick leave - this issue first has to get under control, and working under these circumstances might not be helping with that.

The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. - Rabindranath Tagore

Keep true to the dreams of your youth. - Friedrich Schiller

The only philosophy which can be responsibly practised in face of despair is the attempt to contemplate all things as they would present themselves from the standpoint of redemption. - Theodor Adorno

Re: My Brain Hurts Brian :-)

I am just waiting for my appointment with the specialist Epilepsy clinic so they can determine to what level (if any) I have it or if I need further investigation into what is causing these 'flits'.

It is somewhat calming to know that it is being investigated now as we do tend to ignore a lot of issues or push it aside blaming age, gender, daily life etc.

My work have been great but I've asked for a meeting with HR to discuss what is coming up as I tend to build up guilt about leaving my colleagues to cover my work. Stress I could do without so I have to try and let go on my controlling streak in some way but still feel in control by organising the meeting myself - make sense LOL??

So food poisoning hmmm.........that's not good my dear, you will have to fill me in on what happened. I do hope you are recovering from it as I do know that it can take a while and can actually have knock on effects. So let me return the compliment and send you a or two and hope you feel better.

I shall take the weekend to finish recovering from the latest Migraine and see what the next weeks bring.

Re: My Brain Hurts Brian :-)

With regards to the food poisoning, it was quite severe. And all the resultant vomiting, and diarrhoea resulted in my potassium levels dropping dangerously low. Nothing two days of being on drips could not fix though. I am up and running again, without too much damage.

I think men especially tend to put aside health issues, on the grounds of it not being major, just old age, etc. - basically anything to avoid seeing a doctor - I am a prime example of that myself (and I know of people who have died here from suspected cholera just because of their lackadaisical approaches to health issues here).

But obviously, health issues of severe nature are real, and downplaying things will only get one so far. These flits sound far too serious, to downplay them. So it is really good that you are going to see specialists, just to get to the bottom of this.

Nice to see you have been proactive and contacted HR. Needless to say, you should not be the one organising those meetings, but you may well be wired in such a way that it is less stressful for you to organize the meeting, than knowing the meeting will be organized by someone else.

to recover from your migraine. And I do hope you can avoid the more invasive / migraine inducing tests, so that you won't be spending weeks recovering from those.

Does your family know about it?

The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. - Rabindranath Tagore

Keep true to the dreams of your youth. - Friedrich Schiller

The only philosophy which can be responsibly practised in face of despair is the attempt to contemplate all things as they would present themselves from the standpoint of redemption. - Theodor Adorno

Re: My Brain Hurts Brian :-)

Am glad to hear you are on the mend. Make sure to take extra care.

"Does your family know about it?" My hubby does as he's my personal assistant, taking notes etc (I've instructed him well lol). I shall wait with informing anyone else as I need a clearer picture of what's happening (there goes that control freak in me again ).

Well Migraine is now a thumping headache managed with copious amounts of Paracetamol so hopefully Monday will bring a clearer head as I go back to the office.

Re: My Brain Hurts Brian :-)

I would say that with such things it is better to err on the side of caution.

Don't overwork yourself, and whenever you go in for the first serious check up, try to get work in such a place, that you can be absent for quite some time, without you feeling guilty about it. This may well prove to be a really trying time for you, so I would focus on yourself first and foremost, and let everything else take a backseat for the time being.

The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. - Rabindranath Tagore

Keep true to the dreams of your youth. - Friedrich Schiller

The only philosophy which can be responsibly practised in face of despair is the attempt to contemplate all things as they would present themselves from the standpoint of redemption. - Theodor Adorno

Re: My Brain Hurts Brian :-)

A brief update. Work have been wonderful, they have implemented a shorter working week for me so I can take a day of rest, whilst still being paid. My team are being very supportive and we're working around some of the more difficult aspects of my job to take the 'strain' but still allow me to be valuable in my role, something I really appreciate.

The past few weeks have been challenging with multiple mini Migraines, totally unusual for me but I'm guessing the last EEG has promoted these. I've had to give up on taking tablets and ride them out as it had an adverse effect on my stomach and other medical issues I have. As a consequence my appointment has been moved up for the Epilepsy Centre.

I am deliberately ignoring any recommended reading from well meaning colleagues as I would rather discuss things with the Specialists, after all, that is their job

At least a brief, but oh so enjoyable, visit from friends gave me something else to focus on for a short time, even if it did result in 2 days of minimal vision after. I say it means I cannot see the housework that needs doing

Well, that's it for now. See Vautrin, I do take your advice............. sometimes

Re: My Brain Hurts Brian :-)

You could also have utilised a 2000% zoom - you might see one letter at a time though, because it occupies the entire screen.

I do hope that the vision impairments have reduced a bit, and that you have gotten a bit more used to dealing with this, as frustrating as it is. Are you able to get around in the house. Some houses (like my parents') are really not that easy to navigate in.

The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. - Rabindranath Tagore

Keep true to the dreams of your youth. - Friedrich Schiller

The only philosophy which can be responsibly practised in face of despair is the attempt to contemplate all things as they would present themselves from the standpoint of redemption. - Theodor Adorno

Re: My Brain Hurts Brian :-)

Originally Posted by Rosie Sanchez

You should recall just how tiny the stair treads are in this lovely country

I was thinking of the stairs and small steps with that. In my parents' place there are 2 stairs (and quite inclined ones at that), a short set of stairs going into the kitchen (3 steps down), and two other small stairs / steps) going into various other rooms. That would have been even more of a challenge.

But glad to hear that you're mostly okay in the vision field now. It also suggests you got a bit of rest in, and that is always good.

The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. - Rabindranath Tagore

Keep true to the dreams of your youth. - Friedrich Schiller

The only philosophy which can be responsibly practised in face of despair is the attempt to contemplate all things as they would present themselves from the standpoint of redemption. - Theodor Adorno

Re: My Brain Hurts Brian :-)

ooh it is such a bad day, I'm a such a low. I have seen the specialist and they still believe its on the epilepsy spectrum but I now have to wait 3 months before I can have their indepth EEG, but in the meantime I am not allowed to drive.

Which is great when you have to work. I've also be suffering of/on with this dreaded cold bug which has meant me having more time off and now the Health insurance Co is calling me and to top it off my work contract is in jeopardy!

Re: My Brain Hurts Brian :-)

Still home and will be until next Monday as this bug has taken hold of me so badly. I'm only up now as I cannot lie down for coughing and that disturbs hubby, who desperately needs his rest.
My Team leader has been wonderful but it is not up to her to keep me in my job :-(.

Re: My Brain Hurts Brian :-)

It's Saturday and throwing everything I have to get rid of this bug as finally stopped sneezing. I'm hoping its now leaving me but dizziness and the cough are still persistent. Gosh I's obviously so good it wants to stay with me LOL (see must be getting better I can laugh at myself).

Re: My Brain Hurts Brian :-)

Oh my gosh, Dear Rosie, I don't know how I missed this thread which has been going on for awhile! I also think it's because I haven't checked in much in 2017 and just returned more in the last little while. I will be reading this thread in it's entirety and, until my next visit when I have more time, will send you tons of hugs!

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

True love is wanting to give to another person without any thought about
who’s getting the better of the deal.

Love always creates, it never destroys. In this lie's man's only promise

Re: My Brain Hurts Brian :-)

Rosie, I just read your thread in it's entirety and it's providing me a very valuable lesson, from you to be here more and if not to offer advice I know nothing about, just to be supportive, loving and a true friend!

It's Saturday and throwing everything I have to get rid of this bug as finally stopped sneezing

I, too, have had a recurrence of the virus going around in this area, as well as colds and flus. The only reason I am even mentioning that is I, too, am putting a huge effort into overcoming this like you are, Rosie.

I have a niece who has had epilepsy and takes medication but I'm not sure what medication she takes. and a son who suffers from severe migraines, too which seems to be hereditary as quite a few relatives on my husband's side has suffered or is suffering with them. The only thing that seems to help him at times is a special coffee from Starbucks that only seems to be on their menu at Christmas.

How awesome that you have such understanding employers but I also believe it's because of the work you do and the person you are! They know that you are a valuable employee who does her best ALWAYS and it is a wise move on their part to keep you in their employ!

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

True love is wanting to give to another person without any thought about
who’s getting the better of the deal.

Love always creates, it never destroys. In this lie's man's only promise

Re: My Brain Hurts Brian :-)

Hi Dear Luba, thank you for your kind words. Its ok about not seeing the thread before as life directs us at times to allow us to recover from our own issues. I know you are there in my world.

Update, finally received the appointment for the 24 hour EEG - its 31st January and thankfully I get to stay overnight at the centre. I did dread the thought of having to find some headwear to cover everything if I had to go to work as I do NOT look good in a hat LOL.

I am now officially only working 4 days a week and am looking forward to using the day free to do all the little things I need to do for myself.

Re: My Brain Hurts Brian :-)

Hi Dear Luba, thank you for your kind words. Its ok about not seeing the thread before as life directs us at times to allow us to recover from our own issues. I know you are there in my world.

Forever and always, Dear Rosie!

Update, finally received the appointment for the 24 hour EEG - its 31st January and thankfully I get to stay overnight at the centre. I did dread the thought of having to find some headwear to cover everything if I had to go to work as I do NOT look good in a hat LOL.

Wishing you the BEST for your appointment, Rosie; it will be good to stay overnight, too.

About hats, I never used to wear one. Then I started wearing caps when we were camping. When my hair started to get thinner, I said it's time to pick out some inexpensive hats. Then, when my brother got so ill and we visited quite a bit, out of the blue I decided to get my hair cut short. Now, when going anywhere, I put on a hat and they actually feel quite good on the head! Funny how a person decides to change things so much when it seemed like it was never going to happen and stay the same.

I am now officially only working 4 days a week and am looking forward to using the day free to do all the little things I need to do for myself.

As it is late I shall now head to bed as I have work tomorrow.

That's awesome, Rosie, to do things for yourself on your day off. That is SO important to our health as I've been doing quite a lot of reading on that very subject.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

True love is wanting to give to another person without any thought about
who’s getting the better of the deal.

Love always creates, it never destroys. In this lie's man's only promise